Wheel Bearings
https://wheelbearings.media
Updated 3 days agoWheel Bearings is a podcast about cars and transportation hosted by Sam Abuelsamid, Nicole Wakelin and Roberto Baldwin
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Episodes (469)
I Found It A Little Wonkety
This week, Robbie rented a Chrysler Pacifica for a family road trip. Nicole drove the lovely Volvo S60 Recharge plug-in hybrid sedan and Sam had the latest Honda Accord Hybrid.In the news, Honda showed off the Prologue, its first high-volume battery electric vehicle. It's a midsize crossover built for Honda on the Ultium architecture. At the 7th Rennsport Reunion at Laguna Seca, Porsche unveiled the 911 GT3 R Rennsport, a $1 million track day special. Sam was in Austin for Move America 2023 where he met a company called Carvaloo that claims to be able to detect even minor impacts based on signals from vehicle sensors and then went for some more rides in Cruise robotaxis.Finally, it's Tacotober. Food insecurity is a major problem in America. Robbie is raising funds for Feeding America and you can help out by donating. If you give at least $50, Robbie will write a song about you. Even if you can't donate right now, consider going and volunteering some time at a local food bank.LinksCarvalooAnother Austin CruisePorsche 911 GT3 Rennsport2024 Honda PrologueTacotober donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Sharing a Bench With Your Bestie
In the garage, Nicole has the Chevrolet Silverado Z71 Trail Boss which isn't as expensive as the GMC Sierra she drove last week and also the Polaris Ranger. Robbie has been getting to band gigs quickly in the Cadillac Escalade V. Sam drove mostly on electrons in the new Prius Prime.In the news, Ford has announced a plug-in hybrid version of the new Ranger but it's not coming to America ... yet. The third-generation VW Tiguan is coming next year and VW has announced the end of its diesel engines early in 2024. Vinfast is selling EVs, mostly to itself and the UAW has expanded its strike against GM and Stellantis. Our friends at TFL have tested the towing capability of the new Silverado EV. We wrap up with listener questions and Sam's conversation with BorgWarner CTO Harry Husted.Links3rd Gen VW TiguanFord Ranger PHEVTFL tests the Silverado EV,No more Volvo dieselsUAW strike expansionMost Vinfast cars delivered to itselfPolaris RangerAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Suitcase Scooter
This week the whole team converged on the Detroit Auto Show but we never managed to get more than two members in the same place at the same time with Robbie mostly focused on the nearby battery show. Sam drove the Toyota Crown Limited while Nicole had the most off-roady of GMC Sierras with the AT4X AEV Edition. Meanwhile Robbie managed to squeeze his lanky body into a tiny Honda Beat and a bonkers Honda CR-V Hybrid racer (aka The Beast).At the show, we got refreshed versions of the Ford F-150, Cadillac CT5 and Jeep Gladiator and a brand new GMC Acadia. During but not at the show, Honda announced the foldable Motocompacto Scooter and Ford had the production edition of the Mustang Mach-E Rally. That Mach-E will be raced in the upcoming Rebelle Rally. We have listener questions and Sam's conversations with Bosch CEO Dr. Stefan Hartung and Hyundai global chief safety officer Brian Latouf.Links2024 Ford F-1502025 Cadillac CT52024 GMC AcadiaHonda MotocompactoMustang Mach-E Rally in the Rebelle RallyMustang Mach-E RallyMike Levine in the RamboxRebelle RallyAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Made In China
We've got a full team this week as Robbie drove the updated 2024 Polestar 2, Nicole had the Ford F-150 Raptor R and Hyundai Palisade and Sam spent time with the Mazda CX-90 plug-in hybrid.Sam got to spend a few days in Munich this week at the IAA Mobility show which included some ride and drive opportunities in some Chinese built cars. First up was the new Lotus Eletre, a radically different type of vehicle from the brand created by Colin Chapman. Later this week, Lotus also unveiled the new Emeya electric four-door GT in New York. Lotus is now owned by China's Geely Group which also owns Zeekr, whose first product, the 001 shares a platform with the upcoming Polestar 4 including its Mobileye SuperVision hands free driving assist system. Finally, there was the Xpeng P7, a very impressive electric sedan from this relatively young Chinese brand. During IAA, there were a number of concepts unveiled that are very close to upcoming production models, the Mercedes-Benz CLA, the BMW Neue Klasse and the VW ID GTI. BMW also designed to end its test of charging a subscription for features like heated seats.The show wraps up with interviews that Sam did with Acura ZDX chief engineer John Wong and design manager Andrew Foster.LinksLotus EletreXpeng p7BMW neue klasseMercedes CLAVW iD GTIBMW drops heated seat subscriptionsLotus EmeyaLet's go back to smaller wheelsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Extinction Event
We had record early this week because Sam is flying to Germany this weekend, but Robbie is trying out new Bridgestone tires so it's just Nicole and Sam. Nicole had the fraternal twin of the Toyota Supra, the BMW Z4 while Sam drove the Hyundai Ioniq 6 Limited AWD.Continuing with Hyundai sedans, the Elantra and Sonata get refreshes for 2024 with new looks and assorted other updates. Mercedes-Benz is about to launch the first of its new DC fast charging stations, complete with canopies. Alfa Romeo is marking the end of internal combustion vehicles with a limited run of the 33 Stradale (sorry, they're already sold out). Also about to be extinct is the manual gearbox in the VW Golf R and GTI and the Ram TRX also ends production at the end of 2023. Sam has a chat with Ford's director of icon vehicles Ali Jammoul and we answer a listener question.LinksMercedes-Benz to open first DC fast chargers by end of year2024 Hyundai Elantra2024 Hyundia SonataAlfa Romeo 33 StradaleLast call for the Ram TRXNo More Manual Golf GTI or RAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Send Them To School
Tanya Gazdik is back this week subbing for Nicole and she has been driving the Mercedes-Benz EQB and having a bad charging experience in Detroit. Tanya also spent time in the latest Range Rover LWB. Robbie tells us about driving the new BMW X5M Competition to Monterey car week and renting a Tesla Model 3 from Hertz. Meanwhile Sam got to do some shifting in the Toyota GR Supra with a manual gearbox.In the news, Ford offers a factory matte black wrap for the Lightning and launches a cool looking Transit Custom-based camper in Europe called the Nugget. NHTSA has given clearance for automakers to comply with the lates Massachusetts right to repair law and Chevrolet has launched the first EV with a full police pursuit package.In China, Kia has unveiled a compact electric crossover that will hopefully be offered in North America and taken away its cheap and fun Rio. EV drivers that want to future proof their home charging have a great new option in the Universal Wall Connector from Tesla. Our pals at TFL have created a great cheap Jeep series where they take some cheap old Jeeps to Moab. Finally we answer some listener questions including what to do with a young driver.LinksFord wraps the F-150 LightningFord Nugget CamperNHTSA approves Mass. Right to Repair lawChevrolet Blazer EV Police PursuitKia EV5Kia Rio dead in AmericaTesla Magic Dock home chargerCheap Jeep seriesThe Fast LaneAtlanta area advance driving skills for teensSkip Barber Driving AcademyAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
The Most Audacious
This week Robbie hanging out among the fancy people covering Monterey Car Week so Stephanie Brinley is back with Nicole and Sam. Sam took a road trip in the Honda Pilot Trailsport. Stephanie had the Mercedes-AMG EQE SUV and Mazda CX-90 plug-in hybrid. Nicole drove the Mazda CX-30 turbo.In the news, we've got several of the vehicles unveiled in Monterey including the new Acura ZDX, Lamborghini Lanzador and Mustang GTD. Ford CEO Jim Farley took a cross country road trip in an F-150 Lightning and came away with the same conclusion as other non-Tesla EV drivers, the charging experience sucks. Ford continues to keep its transaction prices up by culling base models. It turns out people really did want a Supra with a manual gearbox and we answer a bunch of listener questions.LinksAcura ZDXCharging satisfaction continues to declineNearly 50% of Supras are manualFord dropping base Bronco, now nearly $40KMustang GTDJim Farley faces terrible charging experienceLamborghini LanzadorAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
The Detritus of Daily Life
In the garage this week we have two similarly sized electric crossovers that are very different. Sam drove the Toyota bZ4X Limited AWD while Nicole had the Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV. Robbie wraps up his time with the Mazda Miata.In the news, Cadillac took the wraps off its oversized, overweight Escalade IQ and GM promised to have bidirectional vehicle to home charging on all of its EVs by 2026.Chargepoint says it will invest millions of dollars to try to get its chargers to 100% reliability. BMW is developing a 790hp PHEV BMW M5 wagon that Americans won't be able to get. We consider a radically redesigned 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe. A Tesla driver was alerted to put his hands on the steering wheel 150 times before his Model X crashed into a police car and injured 5 officers. The average transaction prices of EVs are finally dropping thanks to Tesla price cuts and listener Adam shares his thoughts on his dad's experience fast charging his Cadillac Lyriq.LinksBMW M5 Touring 790hp V8 PHEVCadillac Escalade IQChargepoint to invest in reliabilityGM still struggling to build EVsGM to have bidirectional charging on all EVs by 20262019 Tesla alerted driver 150 times prior to fatal crash2024 Hyundai Santa Fe First LookEV ATPs droppingGM EV LiveAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Just A Boondogle
This week Nicole is having a seriously fun time with the 2023 Honda Civic Type-Rrrrr! Robbie is also having fun with a car that surprisingly fits both him and his bass guitar, the Mazda Miata Club. Sam actually had a great Electrify America charging experience with the Genesis GV70 Electrified.In the news, it appears that VW may be getting ready to launch an electric GTI. Toyota revealed the all-new Land Cruiser which is basically a more affordable and arguably better looking version of the Lexus GX and is finally bringing the plug-in hybrid Lexus RX450h+ to America. Speaking of America, we've poisoned Britain with our preference for SUVs over cars so Volvo is going to stop selling cars in the UK. Mazda couldn't find enough American buyers for the MX-30 so it's discontinuing it here. Henrik Fisker should off a bunch of upcoming products with some cool features, but it's too early to say which of them will actually make it to market. The Detroit Concours d'Elegance is back in midtown Detroit in September and should have more really interesting cars. Finally we answer listener questions about manufacturer license plates and stick shift transmissions without clutch pedals (the links below do a better job explaining the VW automatic stick shift than Sam did).LinksElectric VW GTI on the way?2024 Toyota Land Cruiser2024 Lexus RX450h+Volvo stops selling cars in UKNo More MX-30sNew FiskersDetroit ConcoursVW AutostickPorsche SportomaticAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Bad Lessons
This week in the Wheel Bearings garage, Robbie is driving the latest BMW M2, complete with what may be one of the last manual transmissions in a BMW. Nicole has the non-Max version of the new Lexus RX hybrid, the RX350h and Sam is driving the Honda CR-V hybrid.In the news, seven (really six, but who's counting) are teaming up for a joint-venture to build 30,000 DC fast chargers with cool accessories like restrooms, food and canopies! Ford launches the Mustang Challenge race series featuring a new factory-built racer, the Mustang Dark Horse R. VW invests to buy 5% of Xpeng, Robbie swaps EV battery modules with Ample and Honda is killing the E because of SUVs. Volvo clearly wasn't listening to the howls of pain from VW ID owners when it designed the EX30. Vinfast broke ground on a new factory in North Carolina and we hope it doesn't turn out like the Faraday Future factory in Las Vegas. Finally, Sam went to Cars in my Yard 2023Send in your questions to [email protected] Charging joint ventureVW invests in XpengMustang Dark Horse R, Mustang ChallengeAmple Battery SwappingBad American influence kills Honda EVolvo takes bad lessons for EX30Vinfast groundbreakingFaraday Future GroundbreakingCars In My Yard 2023Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
It's Mostly New
Nicole is travelling again this week so our friend Stephanie Brinley from S&P Global Mobility is filling in. Stephanie has been driving the Lexus LC500 while Robbie had the Lamborghini Urus Performante. Sam meanwhile had to make do with a Corolla, the GR Corolla Morizo edition.Steph and Sam both drove the 2024 Ford Mustang this week which despite marketing claims to being "all-new" is really mostly new, but don't let that take anything away from the last pony car standing. JD Power revealed the results of its 2023 APEAL Survey and S&P had a survey on what consumers are willing to pay for subscriptions in their vehicles. BMW M's boss thinks simulated shifting may be the way to go in performance EVs and Tesla says there are talks to license FSD. We also answer listener questions.Links2024 Ford Mustang EcoBoost first drive2024 Ford Mustang GT first driveJD Power Apeal surveyWillingness to pay for subscriptionsBMW M supports simulated gearboxes for EVsTesla in talks to license FSD to "major OEM"Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
The Fancy Sandwich of SUVs
This week Robbie and Sam both had Lincoln's baby plug-in hybrid, the Corsair Grand Touring. Aside from the position of the start-stop button, and Robbie's inability to arrange the 24-way driver's seat adjustment to comfortable, there isn't much fundamentally wrong with it, but is it worth the price? Meanwhile, Nicole had the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV which cost twice as much but lacks an engine altogether.Lots of EV related news again this week as Rolls-Royce promises that anyone scalping the new electric Spectre will be banned for life from buying a new Roller. At the Goodwood Festival of Speed, Caterham which has continued to build variants of the Lotus 7 for 50 years, drops an electric sports car and Hyundai unveiled the Ioniq 5 N with the sound and shift feel of the Elantra N. Meanwhile, here in the US, after more than two years of not being able to buy most EVs without huge markups, they are suddenly piling up on dealer lots with discounts. Another EV that will be easier to get and afford is the Kia EV9 which will be built in Georgia from mid-2024. Some residents of a rural Michigan town don't want the 2,500 jobs coming with a new Ford battery plant. Supplier Magna showed off a bunch of their tech this week including an electric Gladiator. While Chevrolet is about to launch a bunch of new EVs, they also have a new gas powered Traverse coming early in 2024.LinksRolls-Royce to ban scalpers for lifeBattery plant NIMBYCaterham Project V2024 Chevrolet TraverseEV discountsHyundai Ioniq 5 NKia EV9 comes to AmericaAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
No More Grey
This week Robbie came to the realization that the Jeep Grand Cherokee L is a great vehicle for anyone with a Daft Punk cover band. Nicole drove a pair of Nissan Zs back to back with automatic and manual transmissions and Sam spent the week with the highest end Volkswagen Taos.In the news, Nicole got to sample Buick's new entry level model, the Envista and wonders what all the hubub is about with the engine. Fiat is doing what all automakers are doing and will no longer produce grey cars, opting for color instead. The VW ID Buzz debuted in Austin in automated driving form. The Ford Maverick is no longer our cheap vehicle of choice, because Ford has chosen to absorb the markups that dealers have been charging. Mercedes-Benz is going with NACS and Sam defends automakers that are going with the Tesla connector. We also say so long to designer Peter Horbury and answer some more listener questions.LinksBuick EnvistaNo more grey FiatsVW launches ID Buzz AV in AustinNo more standard hybrid for MaverickMercedes chooses NACSIn support of switching to NACSRIP Peter HorburyAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Comfy Seats
1It's been a busy week. Sam had both the Dodge Hornet GT+ and the Hyundai Santa Fe plug-in hybrid. Robbie finally gets to talk about the driving the Kia EV9 and also the Seltos. He also discusses an unfortunate crash while going to pickup guitar picks. Nicole drove to Accord to drive the Accord.In the news, Nicole and Sam both drove the refreshed 2024 Jeep Wrangler. Volvo and Polestar announced that both brands would switch to the NACS charging connector and SAE will integrate the connector into its industry standard. Lordstown Motors finally goes bankrupt and sues Foxconn. Ford defeated Lordstown in the electric pickup race, but is losing customer orders due to price hikes. GM is matching and exceeding Ford's bidirectional charging offerings with Ultium Home. Italian lawmakers are wisely trying to ban inexperienced drivers from overpowered cars.Links2024 Jeep Wrangler first driveSAE to adopt NACS standardLordstown chapter 11Ford losing Lightning customers with price hikesGM Ultium Home productsItalian Lawmakers want to ban young drivers from cars with more than 95 hpMalibu vs Bel AirRoman's Hummer breaks down in MoabVolvo goes NACSPolestar NACSRobbie's first drive in the Kia EV9Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
It Hears Me
Robbie is back from Germany and Korea but he can't talk about that stuff yet. Nicole drives the Mercedes-Benz GLE SUV and Sam has better luck with the voice interface on the 2023 Lexus RX500h.Stellantis has launched a new compact pickup called the Ram Rampage in Brazil and while they haven't yet announced anything, it could be coming to America. The Kia Stinger has sadly left us too early, but an electric replacement may be on the way. As Rivian joins GM and Ford in switching from CCS to NACS charging connectors, Texas and Washington are mandating that any publicly funded chargers include the Tesla-developed connector. Rivian also bought and is integrating A Better Route Planner and Sam gets a first opportunity to drive the Chevrolet Silverado EV work truck.LinksRam RampageKia Stinger EV replacementTexas to mandate NACS charge connectorsRivian acquires ABRPChevrolet Silverado EV W/T previewGrumpy RomanAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Tremors Big and Small
Robbie is on his way to Korea for a secret mission so it's just Nicole and Sam this week. Nicole drove the Genesis G80 Electrified and the "last call" Dodge Charger Swinger. Sam had the Ford Maverick Tremor.In the news, Sam and Nicole both drove the new 2024 Ford Super Duty pickups including towing some huge trailers. Ford also announced they are building a special Ford Ranger to take on the Dakar Rally starting in 2024. Mercedes-Benz unveiled a new electric concept called Vision One-Eleven with axial flux motors and will start testing ChatGPT in its voice system. Finally, a battle is brewing over Massachusett's new right to repair law with NHTSA telling automakers they don't have to comply and senators pushing back against the agency. We also answer some listener questions.LinksNio scraps free battery swapsMercedes Vision One-ElevenMercedes debuts ChatGPTNHTSA overules Mass right to repair lawNHTSA is a failing agencyFord Ranger T1+ goes to DakarSenators push back against NHTSA on right to repairAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Yanking the Steering Wheel
Sam spent the past week testing out the new version of BlueCruise in the 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E and was pleasantly surprised at the energy efficiency. Nicole had both the Toyota Sequioa TRD Pro and Lincoln Corsair PHEV. Robbie drove the new Chevrolet Colorado and the Lamborghini Huracan Tecnica.Nicole and Sam took a quick trip to Austin to see the unveiling of the 2024 Lexus TX and GX SUVs. After the Lexus show, they went for a ride in a Cruise robotaxi and they have thoughts. Meanwhile in Milan, Volvo unveiled its new inexpensive EV, the EX30. Tesla got another win with GM announcing its switch to the North American Charging standard. On the other hand, Tesla drivers that buy their insurance from the automaker will pay more if they use Autopilot.LinksVolvo ex30Crusing in Austin2024 Lexus GX2024 Lexus TXThe death of CCSTesla Insurance charges more for AutopilotAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Buzz Me
In the garage this week, Nicole has been driving two very different vehicles from the Hyundai Motor Group stable, the new Genesis G90 and refreshed Kia Telluride. Robbie has car for dog lovers, the Subaru Crosstrek and Sam was pleasantly surprised by what the Mitsubishi Outlander plug-in hybrid could do with a fully charged battery.In the news, VW revealed the longer 3 row ID Buzz that's coming to America. Sam spent some time at the track with Honda getting a ride in an Indycar-powered hybrid CR-V, sampling electric racing go-karts and testing the LogR app with the new Civic Type-R. Lordstown's electric pickup doesn't have much Endurance and Tesla claims the cheapest Model 3 now qualifies for tax credits. Finally Ford changes its pricing strategy for Blue Cruise. We also answer listener questionsLinksHonda electric racing cartsHonda CR-V hybrid racerHonda LogR 2.0 appVW ID Buzz 3-rowFord BlueCruise subscriptionsLordstown Endurance only has 174 mile rangeTesla Model 3 $7500 tax creditHonda racing lawnmowerHagerty 1990 Mazda Miata valuationAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Live From the Kona Coast
We're all back together for a brand new show after a week away for some vacation time. We've got lots of rides to discuss this week. Nicole had the Mercedes-AMG G63 and Genesis GV70 Electrified. Since we last had him on the show, Robbie drove the Ford Expedition to Tahoe for a band gig, the BMW i7 and the new Mercedes-Benz GLC. Sam reviews the Chevrolet Equinox that he and his wife had as a rental in Hawaii.Sam and Nicole were both in Hawaii to drive the new Toyota Grand Highlander and get a first look at the all-new Tacoma midsize pickup including the Trailhunter overlanding version. BMW has unveiled the next-generation 5 series sedan including the electric i5. The 5 series is also the first car to get support for Airconsole game streaming. Ford has decided that it can't rely on the likes of Electrify America to provide a good charging experience for its EV customers and has done a deal with Tesla to support Superchargers in the FordPass app as well as using the Tesla charging connector on the next batch of EVs it launches. We also answer listener questions.If you like listening to podcasts in Youtube, you're in luck, Wheel Bearings is now available there too at https://www.youtube.com/@WheelBearingsCastLinksBMW i7Toyota Grand Highlander first drive2024 Toyota TacomaFord goes for Tesla2024 BMW 5 SeriesAirconsole gaming in the new 5 seriesAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
New York Conversations
Sam and his wife are on a beach somewhere in the middle of the Pacific this week so we're giving Robbie and Nicole the week off too. Instead of news we've got interviews that we recorded at the 2023 New York Auto Show. Most of these interviews have already been published for our patrons, but there are a couple that haven't been heard yet. First up is Tom Somerville, marketing manager for Ford electric enthusiast vehicles. Then we have Hyundai CMO Angela Zepeda. Next up are Christian Meunier, global CEO of Jeep and Jim Morrison head of Jeep North America. Mike Koval, CEO of Ram trucks talks about the Ram 1500 REV and midsize trucks. Olabisi Boyle, VP product planning and mobility strategy talks about Hyundai and finally we have Mike Wilde, director of product planning and pricing at Kia America. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
It's Very, Very Bad
Robbie couldn't make it this week so it's just Nicole and Sam. Nicole has been driving the Rivian R1S and the Toyota Rav4, two very different SUVs. Sam had an SUV that sort of fits in the venn diagram of the previous two, with a gas engine and serious off-roadability, the Ford Bronco Heritage edition.Nicole has also recently done a couple of first drive programs with very different outcomes. The new 2023 GMC Canyon was really, really good. When Nicole had her first exposure to the Vinfast VF8 last September, she recommended it could use another 6 months of development. Well, the on-sale date was pushed back almost six months with the first examples going to customers in California recently. Unfortunately, the extra time apparently wasn't put to good use and it's the first vehicle in a long time that can't be recommended to anyone. Meanwhile Volvo and Polestar knew they have software issues to addres and have pushed back the launch of the EX90 and Polestar 3 to the first half of 2024. That new Canyon is going to have a bunch of fresh competition from the new Ford Ranger and the upcoming Toyota Tacoma. Finally, Honda may launch an all-new sports car this year to celebrate its 75th anniversary.Links2023 GMC Canyon2024 Ford Ranger and RaptorVinfast off to a bad start (You Guys IT IS SO BAD -NW)Honda may launch new sports car in 2023Polestar 3//Volvo EX90 delayed to 2024Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
One And A Half
This week, Robbie is playing at a wedding in Yosemite with one of his bands, so friend of the show Tanya Gazdik is back with a plethora of Stellantis vehicles. Among the Ram Rebel 1500, Chrysler Pacifica PHEV and Jeep Grand Wagoneer L you might be surprised to learn which is her favorite. Nicole has been driving the Subaru Impreza RS and Sam had the BMW X7 M60i.Nicole and Tanya both drove the new Subaru Crosstrek in some Woodstock mud, but without any classic rock bands. Nicole also drove the new second-generation Chevrolet Trax. There's an all-new second-generation Mini EV coming in a few months with lots more range and performance. If you prefer the classic mini Mini, you too can go electric thanks to Electrogenic. Back in the early 1990s, a decade before Martin Eberhard and Marc Tarpenning conceived of the Tesla Roadster (that other guy didn't come along until a year later with the money to make it happen), a bunch of Motorola engineers built an electric Corvette. Lordstown Motors may finally be reaching the end of the road unless someone steps up with a bunch of money (unlikely). Finally, we talk about a bunch of Honda engineers driving one and a half NSXs in the One Lap of America.LinksElectric Corvette from 19942024 Chevy TraxElectrogenic Classic Mini EV conversion kitElectrogenicAcura NSX trailerNext-gen Mini E coming soonEnd of the line for Lordstown?Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
The Essential Part Not Included
This week Robbie tells us about sleeping in and driving the new BMW XM. Nicole spends a week with the Mazda CX-90 and Sam drives the BMW i4 M50 and Maserati Grecale Modena.Lots of news including the NEVs Emily GT, an electric successor to Saab that didn't make it but is for sale. The dumb yoke is now a $250 extra cost option on the Tesla Model 3. Toyota buyers trade in for EVs at Carmax and older women are more skeptical of EVs. Tesla has great uptime on superchargers. The Chevy Bolt is going away and the Hyundai Ioniq Essential misses some essentials. Sam also has an interview with Lori Wittman, president of retail solutions at Cox Automotive from the New York Auto Show.LinksNEVS Emily for sale$250 for Tesla yokeToyota top trade-in brand for EVsAre women more skeptical of EVsTesla claims 99% uptime for Superchargers, Model 3 TCO higher than corollaDon't buy an Ioniq 5 EssentialThe end of the Chevy BoltRobbie's BMW XM driveAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Oh That Grille!
This week in the garage, Robbie is wondering why anyone would buy the Ford Bronco Everglades and Nicole wonders who uses the third row of the Toyota Highlander. Nicole also drove the Honda CR-V hybrid while Sam had the Cadillac CT4 with Super Cruise. Sam also got a first taste this week of the Hyundai Ioniq 6.In the news, we've got more new stuff from the Shanghai motor show including the gorgeous MG Cyberster and ultimate Lexus for those who appreciate the spindle grille, the LM minivan. Volkswagen showed off the ID.7 sans color changing camoflague and Hyundai is partnering with Itselectric on new curbside chargers while the IRS published the latest update to the list of which EVs are eligible for clean vehicle credits. We wrap up with a conversation with Maserati America's head Bill PefferLinksMG CybersterHyundai curbside chargingVW ID.7Lexus LMClean vehicle creditsUpsidedown Camaro LeMons racerAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Champagne Mode
This week in the garage Nicole does the mom thing with the Toyota Sienna AWD, Robbie does the dog thing with the new Subaru Imprezza and Sam does the hands-off thing with the Nissan Ariya.In the news, we've got a bunch of vehicles all debuting between recording time and the embargos lifting. Lincoln has an all-new Nautilus midsize crossover with hybrid power and all the screen space. Buick has a new entry level crossover called the Envista. Polestar has a sporty new crossover without a back window in the 4. Regular old cupholders just wouldn't do for champagne flutes so Mercedes-Maybach goes electric with its variant of the EQS SUV and its special champagne flute holders. We also have an interview with Stellantis chief design officer Ralph Gilles.Links2024 Lincoln NautilusPolestar 4Ford BlueCruise SubscriptionsGM Tow Dolly PatentMercedes-Maybach EQS SUVAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy